The Wire turns one: bringing our innovation community together

Created to help customers share knowledge, find support and build valuable relationships beyond their own centre, The Wire now brings together more than 1,600 members from 30 innovation centres across the UK. 

Whether it’s finding a trusted supplier, exploring funding opportunities, solving a business challenge or making new connections, The Wire gives innovators access to a wider community of entrepreneurs, experts and business leaders who understand the realities of growing a business. 

Over the past 12 months, members have used the platform to exchange ideas, access specialist advice, collaborate with other businesses and take part in live events, creating thousands of meaningful connections across the network. 

A year of connection and collaboration 

Since launching in July 2025, The Wire has welcomed more than 1,300 new members and continues to grow as a valued part of the Oxford Innovation Space community. 

In its first year: 

• More than 1,500 members actively engaged with the community 

• Over 660 members contributed their knowledge, advice and expertise 

• More than 17,000 interactions took place through discussions, events and direct conversations 

• 41 livestream events connected businesses with expert speakers and practical insights 

Behind every interaction is a business sharing experience, seeking support, building relationships or discovering new opportunities. 

For many customers, The Wire has become an extension of their local innovation centre, opening up access to people, expertise and opportunities from across the wider network. 

“Having that opportunity to get personalised support made a real difference. I came away with a clearer sense of where to focus my efforts and what my next steps might be. The Wire provided me with a community where you can connect with people, ask questions and get practical support when you need it.” 

Danny Langford, Founder, ReadingSpace  

Supporting businesses at every stage of growth 

The Wire is designed to help businesses make the most of the knowledge, support and opportunities available across the innovation network. 

Members can:

• Take part in business discussions and peer-to-peer conversations 

• Connect with fellow founders and business leaders 

• Promote services, products and collaboration opportunities 

• Access practical resources and business guides 

• Watch expert-led training sessions and event recordings 

• Explore funding and investment opportunities 

• Connect with advisers and specialist support 

Join communities focused on specific sectors, interests or business challenges 

Customers can also access support from Oxford Innovation Advice and Oxford Innovation Finance, helping businesses navigate growth, innovation and funding opportunities. 

Local communities, wider opportunities 

Every Oxford Innovation Space centre has its own dedicated space within The Wire, helping customers connect with neighbouring businesses, centre teams and regional partners. 

Alongside these local connections, members can tap into expertise and opportunities from across the wider network. A conversation started in one innovation centre can quickly lead to a new partnership, recommendation or opportunity elsewhere in the country. 

The network brings together businesses from a wide range of sectors, including technology, software, AI, professional services, life sciences, engineering, advanced manufacturing, creative industries and the built environment. 

Each centre adds its own strengths and specialisms, creating a diverse community where businesses can learn from one another and access connections they may not otherwise have discovered. 

By bringing these communities together, The Wire helps turn local expertise into wider opportunities. 

Conversations that matter 

Some of the most popular discussions during The Wire’s first year have focused on the challenges and opportunities facing growing businesses today. 

Members have explored topics including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, funding, sales growth, leadership development, productivity and business resilience. Dedicated groups have also emerged around areas such as marketing, AI, wellbeing and solo entrepreneurship. 

Businesses are using the platform not just to ask questions, but to share their own experiences and help others overcome common challenges. 

“Lots of other founders. I’ve done bits of business and collaborations with other members. Really fantastic community.” 

Customer, Wellsprings Innovation Centre 

“It’s been a good platform to use, especially for connecting with other businesses across the innovation centres.” 

Customer, Fareham Innovation Centre 

Learning and connecting through live events 

The Wire’s programme of online events has become another important way for members to connect and learn from one another. 

During its first year, 41 livestream sessions brought together businesses from across the network to hear from industry experts, share experiences and ask questions on topics relevant to growing and scaling a business. 

Recordings and supporting resources are available through the platform, allowing members to revisit sessions or catch up at a time that suits them. 

Looking ahead 

The first year of The Wire has shown the value of bringing innovative businesses together. 

While the numbers tell part of the story, the real impact can be seen in the introductions made, partnerships formed, knowledge shared and opportunities created across the network. 

As the community continues to grow, The Wire will remain a place where businesses can learn from one another, access practical support and build connections that help them move forward. 

Because innovation rarely happens in isolation. It happens when people share ideas, solve challenges together and support each other’s growth. 

Already based in one of our innovation centres? Speak to your centre team about joining The Wire and becoming part of the wider community.